Warning for Australian tourists as protests cause chaos in Paris
Videos from Paris show violent clashes between police and protesters, trash piles and fires burning in the streets – is it safe for Aussies to visit?
Stinking trash is piling up and fires burn in the streets of the city of love, with Australian tourists being warned to expect a very different Paris.
People in France are protesting against President Emmanuel Macron’s controversial pension reforms, including a plan to raise the retirement age from 62 to 64.
Travellers have taken to TikTok in droves to share the current reality of the city, famously known for being romanticised in movies and TVs shows like Netflix’s Emily in Paris.
Some of the videos painting a sad and sometimes scary picture of the popular tourist destination have attracted millions of views.
One video showing rubbish strewn across the street, a smashed sign and riot police was posted just three days ago and has been watched more than 11 million times.
Britain’s King Charles III, who was due to travel to France on Sunday, postponed his state visit because of the current unrest.
As expected, foreign travellers are questioning whether it is safe to continue their own trips.
Is it safe to travel to France?
The Australian government does not advise against travelling to France but warns tourists and expats to exercise a high degree of caution.
“Ongoing protests and strikes are occurring across France, including Paris. Recent protests and strikes have led to widespread disruptions to travel services (including road, train and air travel),” the government’s Smartraveller website says.
“Some recent demonstrations have led to destruction of private property, burning of garbage in the streets and unsafe use of fireworks,” it continued.
“In some of these incidents, clashes with police occurred resulting in the use of tear gas and water cannon. Avoid all demonstrations and areas with significant police activity. Monitor the media and follow the advice of local authorities.”
‘Be prepared for disruption’
Intrepid Travel’s general manager of Western Europe, Florencia Allo Moreno, told news.com.au Australians continuing their trips to Paris needed to be prepared for the current state of the city.
“Aussies wishing to travel to Paris should be prepared for disruption, as flights and public transport are being heavily affected by the current protests,” she said.
She added: “Travellers should also be aware that 20 per cent of flights in and out of Paris-Orly and Marseilles-Provence airports have been cancelled due to an air traffic controllers strike, with predictions that the Paris metro might be affected.”
Ms Allo Moreno said Intrepid, a Melbourne-based travel company, had not yet seen an increase in cancelling or postponing trips to France.
While the only Intrepid trip to travel through the country this month does not go to Paris, the travel company’s operations team is “dedicating extra attention to anything that could affect travel and transport through the region”.
Ms Allo Moreno advises tourists to stay updated with local media given how quickly the situation can change and avoid areas where protests and demonstrations are taking place.
Will I still be able to visit the Eiffel Tower?
Even if travellers avoid the protests and escape transport disruptions, they might find other aspects of their plans are affected.
For example, it is recommended people check the websites of tourist attractions before visiting.
Popular sites like the Eiffel Tower have previously been closed during national strike days, including just last Thursday.
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